
GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
Driving and Operating 217
Using ABS
Do not pump the brakes. Just hold
the brake pedal down firmly and let
ABS work. You may hear the ABS
pump or motor operating and feel
the brake pedal pulsate. This is
normal.
Braking in Emergencies
ABS allows you to steer and brake
at the same time. In many
emergencies, steering can help
more than even the very best
braking.
Parking Brake
Set the parking brake by holding the
regular brake pedal down, then
pushing down the parking brake
pedal.
If the ignition is on, the brake
system warning light will come on.
SeeBrake System Warning Light
0 130.
Caution
Driving with the parking brake on
can overheat the brake system
and cause premature wear or
damage to brake system parts.
Make sure that the parking brake
is fully released and the brake
warning light is off before driving.
To release the parking brake, hold
the regular brake pedal down, then
push down momentarily on the
parking brake pedal until you feel
the pedal release. Slowly pull your
foot up off the parking brake pedal.
If the parking brake is not released
when you begin to drive, the brake system warning light will flash and a
chime will sound warning you that
the parking brake is still on.
If you are towing a trailer and are
parking on a hill, see
Driving
Characteristics and Towing Tips
0 246.
Brake Assist
The Brake Assist feature is
designed to assist the driver in
stopping or decreasing vehicle
speed in emergency driving
conditions. This feature uses the
stability system hydraulic brake
control module to supplement the
power brake system under
conditions where the driver has
quickly and forcefully applied the
brake pedal in an attempt to quickly
stop or slow down the vehicle. The
stability system hydraulic brake
control module increases brake
pressure at each corner of the
vehicle until the ABS activates.
Minor brake pedal pulsation or
pedal movement during this time is
normal and the driver should
continue to apply the brake pedal as

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
220 Driving and Operating
Caution
Do not repeatedly brake or
accelerate heavily when TCS is
off. The vehicle driveline could be
damaged.
To turn off only TCS, press and
release the
gbutton. The traction
off light
idisplays in the instrument
cluster. The appropriate message
will display in the DIC. See Ride
Control System Messages 0150. To
turn TCS on again, press and
release the
gbutton. The traction
off light
idisplayed in the
instrument cluster will turn off.
If TCS is limiting wheel spin when
the
gbutton is pressed, the system
will not turn off until the wheels stop
spinning.
To turn off both TCS and StabiliTrak,
press and hold the
gbutton until
the traction off light
iand the
StabiliTrak OFF light
gcome on
and stay on in the instrument cluster, then release. The
appropriate message will display in
the DIC. See
Ride Control System
Messages 0150.
To turn TCS and StabiliTrak on
again, press and release the
g
button. The traction off lightiand
the StabiliTrak OFF light
gin the
instrument cluster turn off.
StabiliTrak will automatically turn on
if the vehicle exceeds 56 km/h
(35 mph). Traction control will
remain off.
The vehicle has a Trailer Sway
Control (TSC) feature and a Hill
Start Assist (HSA) feature. See
Trailer Sway Control (TSC) 0258 or
Hill Start Assist (HSA) 0218.
Adding accessories can affect the
vehicle performance. See
Accessories and Modifications
0 262.
Magnetic Ride Control
This vehicle may have a semi-active
damping system called Magnetic
Ride Control. With this feature, improved vehicle ride and handling
is provided under a variety of
passenger and loading conditions.
Magnetic Ride Control is fully
automatic and uses a computer
controller to continuously monitor
vehicle speed, wheel to body
position, lift/dive, and steering
position of the vehicle. The
controller then sends signals to
each shock absorber to
independently adjust the damping
level to provide the optimum
vehicle ride.
Magnetic Ride Control also interacts
with the Tow/Haul Mode that, when
activated, will provide additional
control of the shock absorbers. This
additional control results in better
ride and handling characteristics
when the vehicle is loaded or towing
a trailer. See
“Tow/Haul Mode”
under Towing Equipment 0251.
Locking Rear Axle
Vehicles with a locking rear axle can
give more traction on snow, mud,
ice, sand, or gravel. It works like a
standard axle most of the time, but

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
248 Driving and Operating
a lower temperature than at normal
altitudes. If the engine is turned off
immediately after towing at high
altitude on steep uphill grades, the
vehicle may show signs similar to
engine overheating. To avoid this,
let the engine run while parked,
preferably on level ground, with the
transmission in P (Park) for a few
minutes before turning the engine
off. If the overheat warning comes
on, seeEngine Overheating 0273.
Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface. If parking the rig on a hill:
1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the regular
brakes until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park).
5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal.
2. Start the engine.
3. Shift into a gear.
4. Release the parking brake.
5. Let up on the brake pedal.
6. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks. 7. Stop and have someone pick
up and store the chocks.
Maintenance when Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See
Maintenance Schedule 0344.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. It is a good idea to
inspect these before and during
the trip.
Check periodically to see that all
hitch nuts and bolts are tight.
Trailer Towing
Do not tow a trailer during break-in.
See New Vehicle Break-In 0198.
Before towing a trailer, see
"Hands-Free Operation" under
Liftgate 036.

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
Vehicle Care 277
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0264 for the location of the
reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
. Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system.{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See Brake System Warning
Light 0130.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time.
Replace brake fluid at the specified
intervals to prevent increased
stopping distance. See Maintenance
Schedule 0344.
Checking Brake Fluid
Check brake fluid by looking at the
brake fluid reservoir. See Engine
Compartment Overview 0264.
The fluid level should be above
MIN. If it is not, have the brake
hydraulic system checked to see if
there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake
hydraulic system, make sure the
level is above MIN but not over the
MAX mark.

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
Vehicle Care 285
LED Lighting
This vehicle has several LED lamps.
For replacement of any LED lighting
assembly, contact your dealer.
Fog Lamps
To replace the front fog lamp bulb:1. Locate the fog lamp under the front bumper.
2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the fog lamp
bulb assembly by pressing the
connector release. 3. Turn the bulb counter
clockwise to remove it from the
housing.
Back-Up Lamps
To replace a back-up bulb:
1. Open the liftgate. See Liftgate
0 36.
2. Remove the taillamp closeout
cover from the lamp assembly
by pulling rearward from the
top and bottom at the same
time to unfasten the snap tabs.
3. Remove the two screws fromthe taillamp assembly.
4. Pull the taillamp assembly straight back to remove.

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
334 Vehicle Care
This vehicle should not be towed
with any wheels on the ground.
Dolly Towing–Rear Towing
(Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
– Two-Wheel-Drive Vehicles
To dolly tow the vehicle from
the rear:
1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the rear wheels onto the dolly.
3. Firmly set the parking brake. See Parking Brake 0217. 4. Put the transmission in
P (Park).
5. Secure the vehicle to the dolly following the manufacturer's
instructions.
6. Use an adequate clamping device designed for towing to
ensure that the front wheels
are locked into the straight
position.
7. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0353.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
384 Index
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Active Fuel Management
®. . . . . . 205
Adaptive Cruise Control . . . . . . . . 224
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 259
Additional Information OnStar
®. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Additional Maintenance
and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Adjustable Throttle and Brake Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 269
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 80
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 75
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 127
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Alert Lane Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Side Blind Zone (SBZA) . . . . . . 238
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
All-Terrain Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 216
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 334
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 364
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234

GMC Yukon Denali/Yukon XL Denali Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./
Canada/Mexico-9159308) - 2016 - crc - 6/2/15
Index 389
Infotainment System . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Instrument Cluster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Instrument PanelStorage Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Interior Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . 46
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
J
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
K
Key and Lock Messages . . . . . . . . 147
Keyless EntryRemote (RKE) System . . . . . . . . . 27
Keys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
L
Labeling, Tire Sidewall . . . . . . . . . . 299
Lamps Daytime Running (DRL) . . . . . . 166
Dome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Exterior Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Exterior Lamps OffReminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
License Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 286
Malfunction Indicator . . . . . . . . . 129
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
On Reminder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136 Lamps (cont'd)
Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Lane Change Alert (LCA) . . . . . . . 238
Lane Departure Warning (LDW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) . . . . . . . . 240
Lane Keep Assist Light . . . . . . . . . 132
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
LATCH System Replacing Parts after aCrash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
LATCH, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Level Control
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Lighting Entry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Exit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Illumination Control . . . . . . . . . . . 169
LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Airbag Readiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Antilock Brake System(ABS) Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Brake System Warning . . . . . . . 130
Charging System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128 Lights (cont'd)
Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Door Ajar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Engine Coolant
Temperature Warning . . . . . . . 133
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . 134
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Four-Wheel-Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Front Fog Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
High-Beam On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 166
Low Fuel Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Safety Belt Reminders . . . . . . . . 126
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
StabiliTrak
®OFF . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Tow/Haul Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®. . . . . . . . . . 133
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Locking Rear Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35